Photographic apparatus

ABSTRACT

A photographic apparatus comprises an imaging sensor, an image-processing unit, and a display unit. The imaging sensor obtains image data. The image-processing unit performs an image-processing operation on the image data. The display unit displays an image-processing setting picture having a setting-status indication area and a color status indication area. The setting-status indication area shows a setting status of the image-processing operation. The color status indication area displays a diagrammatic representation of a color status in the image-processing operation corresponding to the setting status.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a photographic apparatus and inparticular to the indication of a setting status of the image-processingoperation.

2. Description of the Related Art

A photographic apparatus in which the setting status of theimage-processing operation can be adjusted is proposed.

A photographic apparatus such as that of Japanese unexamined patentpublication (KOKAI) No. 2004-282178, displays an image after theimage-processing operation corresponding to the setting status(parameter) of the image-processing operation.

Furthermore, a photographic apparatus is proposed that has a pluralityof image tone modes, which are combinations of the setting statusincluding the preset values of saturation, hue, sharpness, contrast,etc., and which can be selected.

However, it is not easy to recognize the color status corresponding tothe preset values of saturation and hue, even if the image is displayedafter the image-processing operation.

Furthermore, it is difficult to imagine the tone of the imagecorresponding to the setting status of the image-processing operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide aphotographic apparatus in which the color-status (saturation and hue)corresponding to the setting status of the image-processing operationcan be easily recognized visually.

According to the present invention, a photographic apparatus comprisesan imaging sensor, an image-processing unit, and a display unit. Theimaging sensor obtains image data. The image-processing unit performs animage processing operation on the image data. The display unit displaysan image-processing setting picture having a setting-status indicationarea and a color status indication area. The setting-status indicationarea shows a setting status of the image-processing operation. The colorstatus indication area displays a diagrammatic representation of a colorstatus in the image-processing operation corresponding to the settingstatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and advantages of the present invention will be betterunderstood from the following description, with reference to theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the photographic apparatus in theembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of the photographic apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a perspective rear view of the photographic apparatus;

FIG. 4 is the display content of the first image-processing settingpicture without the preview image;

FIG. 5 is the display content of the second image-processing settingpicture without the preview image;

FIG. 6 is the display content of the third image-processing settingpicture without the preview image, when general-saturation is adjusted;

FIG. 7 is the display content of the third image-processing settingpicture without the preview image, under the condition in which hue isadjusted;

FIG. 8 is the display content of the first image-processing settingpicture and the preview image;

FIG. 9 is the display content of the second image-processing settingpicture and the preview image;

FIG. 10 is the display content of the third image-processing settingpicture and the preview image, when general-saturation is adjusted;

FIG. 11 is the display content of the third image-processing settingpicture and the preview image, under the condition in which hue isadjusted;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart giving the flow of adjustment of the color statusof the image-processing operation on the RAW data and the development ofthe RAW data;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart giving the details of color status adjustment inthe image-processing operation on the RAW data.;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart giving the details of the development of the RAWdata;

FIG. 15 is the display content of the first image-processing settingpicture that has a color status indication area depicting the saturationof each color component on a plane including an a-axis and a b-axis inthe L*a*b* coordinate system; and

FIG. 16 is the display content of the first image-processing settingpicture that illustrates saturation of each color component using acursor.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is described below with reference to theembodiment shown in the drawings. In this embodiment, the photographicapparatus 1 is a digital camera.

The imaging part of the photographic apparatus 1 comprises an operationunit 10, a controller 30, an EEPROM 40, a lens driving unit 45, anexposure controller 47, a lens 51, an imaging sensor 53 such as a CCDetc., an AFE (Analog Front End) 55, a DSP (an image signal-processingcircuit) 60, a memory unit 70, an SDRAM (a buffer memory) 80, and andisplay unit 90 (see FIG. 1).

The operation unit 10 has a power supply lever 12, a release button 13,a function key 15, direction keys 16, and an OK button 17 (see FIGS. 1to 3).

The display unit 90 has an optical finder 91, a first display 92 a, anda second display 92 b.

When the release button 13 is fully depressed, the photographic subjectimage is captured as an optical image through the lens 51 by the imagingsensor 53, as a photographic operation.

The image obtained by the photographic operation is displayed on thefirst display 92 a after an A/D conversion operation by the AFE 55 andan image-processing operation by the DSP 60.

The image data obtained by the photographic operation is stored in thememory unit 70, with an optional file format such as the JPEG fileformat or the like.

The photographic subject image through the lens 51 can be opticallyobserved through the optical finder 91.

In terms of the photographic operation, when the power supply lever 12is moved to the preview position (not depicted), the photographicsubject image is captured as an optical image through the lens 51 by theimaging sensor 53.

The image data obtained by the photographic operation is temporarilystored in the SDRAM 80, without image-processing operation, as a RAWdata or an YCbCr data.

The image data is not stored in the memory unit 70. However, the imagedata that is temporarily stored in the SDRAM may be stored in the memoryunit 70 after development of the RAW data or the YCbCr data.

The image data that is temporarily stored in the SDRAM 80 is used for apreview and is used as a confirmation image (a preview image) for afirst image-processing setting picture P1, a second image-processingsetting picture P2 and a third image-processing setting picture P3 (seeFIGS. 8 to 11).

The power supply lever 12 is arranged on a front grip part of thephotographic apparatus 1 and is arranged around the release button 13,where the power supply lever 12 can be rotated by the user's rightforefinger etc., while holding the photographic apparatus 1.

When tho power supply lever 12 is rotated to the ON position that is oneof the predetermined positions, the photographic apparatus 1 is set tothe ON state.

When the power supply lever 12 is rotated to the OFF position that isone of the predetermined positions, the photographic apparatus 1 is setto the OFF state.

When the power supply lever 12 is rotated to the preview position thatis one of the predetermined positions, the photographic operation fortemporarily storing the image data to the SDRAM 80 (a preview operation)is performed.

When the release button 13 is partially depressed by the user, thephotometric switch (not depicted) changes to the ON state so that thephotometric operation is performed by an AE sensor (not depicted), andthe AF sensing operation and the focusing operation are performed by thelens driving unit 45.

When the release button 13 is fully depressed by the user, the releaseswitch changes to the ON state so that the photographic operation isperformed. The captured image is indicated on the first display 92 a andthe image data is stored in the memory unit 70.

The image that is captured in the photographic operation when therelease button 13 is fully depressed, may be a still image or a videoimage (moving-image).

The setting status of the image-processing operation by the DSP 60 isadjusted by the user operating the function key 15, the direction keys16, and the OK button 17.

The adjustment of the setting status of the image-processing operationincludes a selection of an image tone mode that is a combination ofsaturations of color components, hue, sharpness, contrast, etc., and anadjustment of the preset Values of general saturation, hue, sharpness,contrast, etc in the image tone mode.

In the embodiment, when the image tone mode is changed, the combinationof saturations of color components is changed.

When the preset value of general saturation is changed, all thesaturations of the color components are changed in the same ratio.

The function key 15 is arranged on a lower right rear surface of thephotographic apparatus 1. The direction keys 16 are comprised of anup-direction key 16 a, a down-direction key 16 b, a right-direction key16 c, and a left-direction key 16 d, and are arranged on a right rearsurface off the photographic apparatus 1 where the direction keys 16surround the OK button 17.

When the function key 15 is depressed, a function setting display (notdepicted) is indicated on the first display 92 a. Moreover, when the OKbutton 17 is depressed, the first image-processing setting picture P1 isindicated on the first display 92 a (see FIGS. 4 and 8).

When the direction keys 16 are operated under the condition in which theinformation regarding the setting status of the image-processingoperation (the first, second, and third image-processing settingpictures P1, P2, and P3) is indicated on the first display 92 a, thesetting statue of the image-processing operation is adjusted.

The OK button 17 is used for switching between the function settingdisplay and the first image-processing setting picture P1 and fordetermining the setting status of the image-processing operation (theimage tone mode and the preset values of the general saturation, hue,etc.) that is adjusted by operating the direction keys 16.

When the OK button 17 is depressed under the condition in which one ofthe first, second, and third image-processing setting pictures P1, P2,and P3 is indicated, the preset values of general saturation, hue,contrast, and sharpness in the selected image tone mode are determined(fixed). The indication is then switched from one of the first, second,and third image-processing setting pictures P1, P2, and P3 to the normalcapture mode.

When at least one of the preset values regarding the image-processingoperation, such as the general saturation, etc., is changed, the changedpreset values is overwritten to the EEPROM 40.

The controller 30 is a control apparatus that controls each part or thephotographic apparatus 1 in its photographic operation. In particular,the controller 30 changes the setting status of the image-processingoperation in accordance with the operation unit 10 when the adjustmentof the setting status of the image processing operation is carried out.

Furthermore, when the preview operation is performed, the controller 30controls the DSP 60 to perform the image-processing operation on thestill image that is indicated in the preview operation, on the basis ofthe setting status of the image-processing operation.

Moreover, the controller 30 controls the first display 92 a to displaythe information regarding the setting status of the image-processingoperation (the indications of the first, second, and thirdimage-processing setting pictures P1, P2, and P3) and the indication ofthe still image on the first display 92 a after the image-processingoperation has been made.

In addition, the controller 30 drives the first display 92 a to displaya diagrammatic representation of saturations of red R, green G, blue B,yellow Y that has a complementary relationship with blue B, cyan C thathas a complementary relationship with red R, and magenta M that has acomplementary relationship with green G in the image-processingoperation, on a color status display area IP70 of the first, second, andthird image-processing setting pictures P1, P2, and P3, through a radarchart CH, on the basis of the selected image tone mode and the presetvalue of general saturation.

Also, the controller 30 drives the first display 92 a to display adiagrammatic representation of the degree of hue rotation in theimage-processing operation, in the color status display area IP70 of thefirst, second, and third image-processing setting pictures P1, P2, andP3, by rotating the radar chart CH around the origin point O, on thebasis of the preset value of hue, that is, in correspondence with thedirection and quantity of hue change.

Accordingly, the user can visually recognize the color statuscorresponding to the selection of the image tone mode of theimage-processing operation and the adjustment of the preset values ofgeneral saturation, etc. that are used in the image-processingoperation.

The color status includes the color intensity, the degree of generalsaturation, and the degree of color change caused by hue. The colorintensity in the image-processing operation can be visually recognizedby the shape of the radar chart CH. The degree of general saturation inthe image-processing operation can be visually recognized by the size ofthe radar chart CH. The degree of color change caused by hue in theimage-processing operation can be visually recognized by the inclinationdegree of the radar chart CH.

The radar chart CH has six apexes that respectively show colorcomponents in the image-processing operation (R, Y, G, C, B, and M) andis a two-dimensional hexagonal figure whose size changes in accordancewith general saturation. The radar chart CH is used for thetwo-dimensional representation of the setting status of theimage-processing operation.

The EEPROM 40 stores the preset values regarding the image-processingoperation, such as general saturation, etc.

The preset values regarding the image-processing operation, such asgeneral saturation, etc., that are preset by the manufacturer for eachimage tone mode are stored in the EEPROM 40 as initial values.

However, the preset values can optionally be changed and stored for theoperation unit 10 by the user.

However, saturation of each color component can not be optionallychanged, only general saturation can be optionally changed.

The AFE 55 converts the analog image signal obtained by the imagingsensor 53 to the digital signal. The DSP 60 performs theimage-processing operation for the digital signal.

The optical finder 91 is a finder for observing the optical image of thephotographic subject through the lens 51. With one eye, the user may usethe optical finder 91 to observe the exposure condition set by the useror calculated by the photometric operation.

The first display 92 a is an indicating apparatus that is arranged onthe rear surface of the photographic apparatus 1 and indicates the imageobtained by the photographic operation (including the still image thatis used for the preview operation). The first display 92 also indicatesthe information regarding the setting status of the image-processingoperation (the first, second, and third image-processing settingpictures P1, P2, and P3).

The second display 92 b is an indicating apparatus that is arranged onthe top surface of the photographic apparatus 1 and provides informationabout the function that is set in regard to the exposure condition, thewhite balance etc., and the storage operation.

The first display 92 a shows the first image-processing setting pictureP1 containing the information regarding the setting status of theimage-processing operation, selected through operation of the functionkey 15 and the OK button 17 in the normal capture mode.

When the image data has been temporarily stored in the SDRAM 80, theinformation regarding the setting status of the image-processingoperation (the first image-processing setting picture P1) issuperimposed on the most recent image data in the preview operation onthe first display 92 a (on-screen indication, see FIG. 8).

When the image data has not been temporarily stored in the SDRAM 80, theinformation regarding the setting status of the image-processingoperation (the first image-processing setting picture P1) is displayedwithout preview (see FIG. 4).

Next, the details of the first, second, and third image-processingsetting pictures P1, P2, and P3 are explained.

The first image-processing setting picture P1 has ageneral-saturation-setting indication area IP10, a hue-settingindication area IP20, a contrast-setting indication area IP30, asharpness-setting indication area IP40, a first image-tone modeindication area IP51, an image tone mode identification area IP61, acolor status indication area IP70, a preview command indication areaIP80, and a decision command indication area IP90 (see FIGS. 4 and 8).

The general-saturation-setting indication area IP10 is used foradjusting the preset value of general saturation in the image-processingoperation.

The hue-setting Indication area IP20 is used for adjusting the presethue value in the image-processing operation.

The contrast-setting indication area IP30 is used for adjusting thepreset value of contrast in the image-processing operation.

The sharpness-setting indication area IP40 is used for adjusting thepreset value of sharpness in the image-processing operation.

The first image-tone mode indication area IP51 displays an icon toindicate information regarding the selected image tone mode.

The image tone mode identification area IP 61 displays the name of theselected image tone mode.

The color status indication area IP70 illustrates (by diagrammaticrepresentation) the color status of red R, yellow Y, green G, cyan C,blue B, and magenta M, on the basis of the preset values in theimage-processing operation.

The preview command indication area IP80 displays an icon and a letterto indicate information regarding the command of the preview operation.

When the power supply lever 12 is rotated to the preview position underthe condition in which the first image-processing setting picture P1 isindicated, the photographic operation for temporarily storing the imagedata to the SDRAM 80 (the preview operation) is performed immediately.

The decision command indication area IP90 displays an icon and a letterto provide information regarding the use of the OK button 17.

When the OK button 17 is depressed under the condition in which thefirst image-processing setting picture P1 is indicated on the firstdisplay 92 a, the setting status of the image-processing operation isdetermined (fixed) and then the display is switched from the firstimage-processing setting picture P1 to the normal capture mode.

FIGS. 4 and 8 show the case in which the natural image tone mode isselected as the image tone mode.

The general-saturation-setting indication area IP10 has a first iconIC1, a first cursor CR1, a first manufacturer preset value MS1, and afirst movement range SA1.

The first icon IC1 indicates that the slider to its right is for theadjustment of general saturation.

The first cursor CR1 shows the preset value of general saturation thatis adjusted by the user.

The first manufacturer preset value MS1 shows the preset value ofgeneral saturation that was preset by the manufacturer.

The first movement range SA1 shows the movement range of the firstcursor CR1.

In FIGS. 4 and 8, the preset value of general saturation that isadjusted by the user and the preset value of general saturation that waspreset by the manufacturer are the same and the intermediate value (thereference value).

The first cursor CR1 can be moved in the horizontal direction and thepreset value of general saturation that is adjusted by the user can bechanged, by operating the right direction key 15 c or the left directionkey 16 d. However, the first manufacturer preset value MS1 can not bechanged. Therefore, the difference between the preset value of generalsaturation that is adjusted by the user and the preset value of generalsaturation that was preset by the manufacturer can be visuallyrecognized.

The first icon IC1 and the first movement range SA1 of thegeneral-saturation-setting indication area IP10 are of a non-transparentcolor. Therefore, the parts of the preview image superimposed by thefirst icon IC1 and the first movement range SA1 are not visible.

The hue-setting indication area IP20 has a second icon IC2, a secondcursor CR2, a second manufacturer preset value MS2, and a secondmovement range SA2.

The second icon IC2 indicates that the slider to its right is for theadjustment of hue.

The second cursor CR2 shows the preset value of hue that is adjusted bythe user.

The second manufacturer preset value MS2 shows the preset value of huethat was preset by the manufacturer.

The second movement range SA2 shows the movement range of the secondcursor CR2.

In FIGS. 4 and 8, the preset value of hue that is adjusted by the userand the preset value of hue that was preset by the manufacturer are thesame and the intermediate value (the reference value).

The second cursor CR2 can be moved in the horizontal direction and thepreset value of hue that is adjusted by the user can be changed, byoperating the right direction key 15 c or the left direction key 16 d.However, the second manufacturer preset value MS2 can not be changed.Therefore, the difference between the preset value of hue that isadjusted by the user and the preset value of hue that was preset by themanufacturer can be visually recognized.

The second icon IC2 and the second movement range SA2 of the hue-settingindication area IP20 are of a non-transparent color. Therefore, theparts of the preview image superimposed by the second icon IC2 and thesecond movement range SA2 are not visible.

The contrast-setting indication area IP30 has a third icon IC3, a thirdcursor CR3, a third manufacturer preset value MS3, and a third movementrange SA3.

The third icon IC3 indicates that the slider to its right is for theadjustment of contrast.

The third cursor CR3 shows the preset value of contrast that is adjustedby the user.

The third manufacturer preset value MS3 shows the preset value ofcontest that was preset by the manufacturer.

The third movement range SA3 shows the movement range of the thirdcursor CR3.

In FIGS. 4 and 8, the preset value of contrast that is adjusted by theuser and the preset value of contrast that was preset by themanufacturer are the same and the intermediate value (the referencevalue).

The third cursor CR3 can be moved in the horizontal direction and thepreset value of contrast that is adjusted by the user can be changed, byoperating the right direction key 15 c or the left direction key 16 d.However, the third manufacturer preset value MS3 can not be changed.Therefore, the difference between the preset value of contrast that isadjusted by the user and the preset value of contrast that was preset bythe manufacturer can be visually recognized.

The third icon IC3 and the third movement range SA3 of thecontrast-setting indication area IP30 are of a non-transparent color.Therefore, the parts of the preview image superimposed by the third iconIC3 and the third movement range SA3 are not visible.

The sharpness-setting indication area IP40 has a fourth icon IC4, afourth cursor CR4, a fourth manufacturer preset value MS4, and a fourthmovement range SA4.

The fourth icon IC4 indicates that the slider to its right is for theadjustment of sharpness.

The fourth cursor CR4 shows the preset value of sharpness that isadjusted by the user.

The fourth manufacturer preset value MS4 shows the preset value ofsharpness that was preset by the manufacturer.

The fourth movement range SA4 shows the movement range of the fourthcursor CR4.

In FIGS. 4 and 8, the preset value of sharpness that is adjusted by theuser and the preset value of sharpness that was preset by themanufacturer are the same and the intermediate value (the referencevalue).

The fourth cursor CR4 can be moved in the horizontal direction and thepreset value of contrast that is adjusted by the user can be changed, byoperating the right direction key 15 c or the left direction key 16 d.However, the fourth manufacturer preset value MS4 can not be changed.Therefore, the difference between the preset value of sharpness that isadjusted by the user and the preset value of sharpness that was presetby the manufacturer can be visually recognized.

The fourth icon IC4 and the fourth movement range SA4 of thesharpness-setting indication area IP40 are of a non-transparent color.Therefore, the parts of the preview image superimposed by the fourthicon IC4 and the fourth movement range SA4 are not visible.

An icon part of the first image-tone mode indication area IP51 is of anon-transparent color. Therefore, the part of the preview imagesuperimposed by the icon part of the first image-tone mode indicationarea IP51 is not visible.

The color status indication area IP70 has a radar chart CH on ahexagonal indication area having an RC axis AXRC, a GM axis AXGM, and aBY axis AXBY, represented by three diagonal lines passing through thecenter of the hexagonal indication area (the origin point O).

The radar chart CH has six sides. The six sides of the radar chart CHlinks an R point (a first apex) that shows saturation of red R plottedon the RC axis AXRC, an M point (a second apex) that shows saturation ofmagenta M plotted on the GM axis AXGM, a B point (a third apex) thatshows saturation of blue B plotted on the BY axis AXBY, a C point (afourth apex) that shows saturation of cyan C plotted on the RC axisAXRC, a G point (a fifth apex) that shows saturation of green G plottedon the GM axis AXGM, and a Y point (a sixth apex) that shows saturationof yellow Y plotted on the BY axis AXBY.

The origin point O of the radar chart CH is arranged between the firstapex and the fourth apex on the RC axis AXRC. Similarly, the originpoint O of the radar chart CH is arranged between the second apex andthe fifth apex on the GM axis AXGM. Furthermore, the origin point O ofthe radar chart CH is arranged between the third apex and the sixth apexon the BY axis AXBY.

However, when the preset value of hue is changed from the intermediatevalue, the R point and the C point are plotted on a line rotated fromthe RC axis AXRC at a predetermined degree corresponding to the degreeof color change from the intermediate value caused by hue, the M pointand the G point are plotted on a line rotated from the GM axis AXGM atthe predetermined degree, and the B point and the Y point are plotted ona line rotated from the BY axis AXBY at the predetermined degree. Thepredetermined degree is the inclination degree of the radar chart CH.

An intersection point of the RX axis AXRC, the GM axis AXGM, and the BYaxis AXBY, in other words, the origin point O shows the minimumsaturation value. The length from the origin point O shows the degree ofsaturation.

When the natural image tone mode that does not emphasize each color isselected as the image tone mode, the preset hue value is set to theintermediate value so that the radar chart CH forms a regular hexagon,the R point and the C point are plotted on the RX axis AXRC, the M pointand the G point are plotted on the GM axis AXGM, and the B point and theY point are plotted on the BY axis AXBY.

When another mode that emphasizes or attenuates at least one of red R,magenta M, blue B, cyan C, green G, and yellow Y is selected as theimage tone mode, for example, the landscape mode that emphasizes blue Band attenuates magenta M and yellow Y is selected as the image tonemode, the radar chart CH forms a hexagon that is not same as the regularhexagon (see FIGS. 5 and 9).

Furthermore, when the preset value of general saturation is increased,saturation of each color component is increased so that the hexagon thatshows the radar chart CH is expanded to a similar hexagonal form (seeFIGS. 6 and 10). When the preset value of general saturation isdecreased, saturation of each color component is decreased so that thehexagon showing the radar chart CH is shrunk to a similar hexagonalform.

When the preset hue value is changed, the hexagon showing the radarchart CH is rotated around the origin point O, according to thedirection and quantity of hue change (see FIGS. 7 and 11). In this case,the form and size of the hexagon are not changed.

Even when the preset values of contrast and sharpness are changed, thesechanges do not influence the preset value of general saturation so thatthe shape, size, and inclination of the hexagon that shows the radarchart CH does not change.

In the case that the preset value of hue is changed from theintermediate (reference) value so that the hexagon that shows the radarchart CH is rotated, a hexagon that shows a radar chart CH′ beforerotation may be indicated on the color status indication area IP70 withthe dotted line, in addition to the indication of the radar chart CHafter rotation (see FIG. 7 and 11).

A regular hexagon-shaped frame making the external border of thehexagonal indication area of the color status indication area IP70 has aright-upper side part SL1, a left-upper side part SL2 , a left-side partSL3, a left-lower side part SL4, a right-lower side part SL5, and aright-side part SL6.

The inside of the hexagonal indication area of the color statusindication area IP70 is of a non-transparent color. Therefore, the partof the preview image superimposed by the hexagonal indication area ofthe color status indication area IP70 is not visible.

The right-upper side part SL1 has a color gradation with the amount ofyellow Y increasing in the right direction and with the amount of red Rincreasing in the left direction.

The left-upper side part SL2 has a color gradation with the amount ofred R increasing in the right direction and with the amount of magenta Mincreasing in the left direction.

The left-side part SL3 has a color gradation with the amount of magentaM increasing in the upper direction and with the amount of blue Bincreasing in the lower direction.

The left-lower side part SL4 has a color gradation with the amount ofblue B increasing in the left direction and with the amount of cyan Cincreasing in the right direction.

The right-lower side part SL5 has a color gradation with the amount ofcyan C increasing in the left direction and with the amount of green Gincreasing in the right direction.

The right-side part SL6 has a color gradation with the amount of green Gincreasing in the lower direction and with the amount of yellow Yincreasing in the upper direction.

When the up direction key 16 a or the down direction key 16 b isdepressed under the condition in which the first image-processingsetting picture P1 is indicated on the first display 92 a, aselection-area indication frame FR is moved in the vertical directionand selects a color-adjustment item for adjustment form among: thegeneral-saturation-setting indication area IP10, the hue-settingindication area IP20, the contrast-setting indication area IP30, and thesharpness-setting indication area IP40.

FIG. 4 shows that the first image-processing setting picture P1 isdisplayed, the selection-area indication frame FR is located at thefirst image-tone mode indication area IP51, and the natural image tonemode is selected as the image tone mode so that the remaining image tonemodes can be selected by operating the right direction key 16 c or theleft direction key 16 d.

When the right direction key 16 c or the left direction key 16 d isdepressed under the condition in which the first image-processingsetting picture P1 is indicated on the first display 92 a, theindication on the first display 92 a is changed from the firstimage-processing setting picture P1 to the second image-processingsetting picture P2 that is used for selecting the image tone mode (seeFIGS. 5 and 9).

When the up direction key 16 a or the down direction key 16 b isdepressed under the condition in which the first image-processingsetting picture P1 is indicated on the first display 92 a, theselection-area indication frame FR is moved in the vertical directionand the indication on the first display 92 a is changed from the firstimage-processing setting picture P1 to the third image-processingsetting picture P3 that is used for adjusting the preset values of theselected image tone mode before depressing the up direction key 16 a orthe down direction key 16 b (see FIGS. 6, 7, 10, and 11).

The second image-processing selling picture P2 has thegeneral-saturation-setting indication area IP10, the hue-settingindication area IP20, the contrast-setting indication area IP30, thesharpness-setting indication area IP40, a second image-tone modeindication area IP52, the image tone mode identification area IP61, thecolor status indication area IP70, the preview command indication areaIP80, and the decision command indication area IP52 (see FIGS. 5 and 9).

The second image-tone mode indication area IP52 displays iconsrepresenting the selectable image tone modes.

FIGS. 5 and 9 show the case in which the landscape image tone mode isselected as the image tone mode.

The second image-tone mode indication area IP52 displays the selectedimage-tone mode as a large icon, surrounded by the selection-areaindication frame FR, and displays the other selectable image-tone modesin icons smaller than the selected image-tone mode.

Icon parts of the second image-tone mode indication area IP52 are of anon-transparent color. Therefore, the part of the preview imagesuperimposed by the icon parts of the second image-tone mode indicationarea IP52 are not visible.

When the first image-processing setting picture P1 is indicated on thefirst display 92 a, the selection-area indication frame FR has a framethat emphasizes the selected image-tone mode and right and leftdirection arrows around the frame. The right direction arrow correspondsto the right direction key 16 c. The left direction arrow corresponds tothe left direction key 16 d.

When the second image-processing setting picture P2 is indicated on thefirst display 92 a, the selection-area indication frame FR has a framethat emphasizes the selected image-tone mode and a down direction arrowaround the frame. The down direction arrow corresponds to the downdirection key 16 b.

When the third image-processing setting picture P3 is indicated on thefirst display 92 a, the selection-area indication frame FR has a framethat emphasizes the selected color-adjustment item of which the presetvalue is adjusted and right and left direction arrows around the frame.The right direction arrow corresponds to the right direction key 16 c.The left direction arrow corresponds to the left direction key 16 d.

When the right direction key 16 c or the left direction key 16 disdepressed under the condition in which the second image-processingsetting picture P2 is indicated on the first display 92 a, theselection-area indication frame FR is moved in the horizontal directionso that the image tone mode is changed.

When the up direction key 16 a or the down direction key 16 b isdepressed under the condition in which the second image-processingsetting picture P2 is indicated on the first display 92 a, theselection-area indication frame FR is moved in the vertical directionand the indication on the first display 92 a is changed from the secondimage-processing setting picture P2 to the third image-processingsetting picture P3.

The third image-processing setting picture P3 has thegeneral-saturation-setting indication area IP10, the hue-settingindication area IP20, the contrast-setting indication area IP30, thesharpness-setting indication area IP40, the first image-tone modeindication area IP51, the color-adjustment item identification andpreset-value indication area IP62, the color status indication areaIP70, the preview command indication area IP80, and the decision commandindication area IP90 (see FIGS. 6, 7, 10 and 11).

The color-adjustment item identification and preset-value indicationarea IP62 displays the name of the selected color-adjustment item whosepreset value is to be adjusted and the current preset value of theselected color-adjustment item.

FIGS. 6 and 10 show a status in which the landscape image tone mode isselected as the image tone mode, general saturation is selected as thecolor-adjustment item, and the preset value of general saturation isadjusted higher than the intermediate value.

FIGS. 7 and 11 show a status in which the landscape image tone mode isselected as the image tone mode, hue is selected as the color-adjustmentitem, and the preset value of hue is adjusted (rotated) in the minusdirection from the intermediate value.

When the right direction key 16 c or the left direction key 16 d isdepressed under the condition in which the third image-processingsetting picture P3 is indicated on the first display 92 a, the cursorfor the selected color-adjustment item, in other words, one of thefirst, second, third, and fourth cursors CR1, CR2, CR3, and CR4 is movedin the horizontal direction.

When the up direction key 16 a or the down direction key 16 b isdepressed under the condition in which the third image-processingsetting picture P3 is indicated on the first display 92 a, theselection-area indication frame FR is moved in the vertical direction sothat the color-adjustment item whose preset value is to be adjusted ischanged. In this case, when the image tone mode is selected as thecolor-adjustment item, the indication on the first display 92 a ischanged from the third image-processing setting picture P3 to the firstimage-processing setting picture P1.

When the image tone mode is changed under the condition in which thefirst image-processing setting picture P1 or the second image-processingsetting picture P2 is indicated on the first display 92 a, theimage-processing operation for the image data corresponding to thepreview image is performed on the basis of the color statuscorresponding to the selected image tone mode (see step S53 in FIG. 4).Then, the still image resulting from the image-processing operation onthe basis of the selected image tone mode is displayed behind theindicator of the image-processing operation (the first image-processingsetting picture P1 or the second image-processing setting picture P2).Therefore, the adjustment of the image tone mode can be visually judged.

When the preset value of the color-adjustment item for theimage-processing operation is adjusted under the condition in which thethird image-processing setting picture P3 is indicated on the firstdisplay 92 a, the image-processing operation for the image datacorresponding to the preview image is performed on the basis of thecolor status corresponding to the adjusted preset value of thecolor-adjustment item (see step S53 in FIG. 4). Then, the still imageresulting from the image-processing operation on the basis of theadjusted preset value is displayed behind the indicator of theimage-processing operation (the third image-processing setting pictureP3). Therefore, adjustment of the preset value of the color-adjustmentitem for the image-processing operation can be visually judged.

Furthermore, when the image tone mode is changed under the condition inwhich the first image-processing setting picture P1 or the secondimage-processing setting picture P2 is indicated on the first display 92a, or when the preset value of the color-adjustment item for theimage-processing operation is adjusted under the condition in which thethird image-processing setting picture P3 is indicated on the firstdisplay 92 a, the form, etc., of the radar chart CH on the color statusindication area IP70 is changed. Therefore, the color status of theimage-processing operation after changing the image tone mode or thepreset value of the color-adjustment item for the image-processingoperation can be visually judged.

Moreover, when the power supply lever 12 is rotated to the previewposition under the condition in which one of the first, second, andthird image-processing setting pictures P1, P2, and P3 is indicated onthe first display 92 a, the photographic operation is newly performed,the image data obtained by the photographic operation is temporarilystored to the SDRAM 80, and the still image corresponding to thetemporarily stored image data is displayed behind the indicator of theimage-processing operation (the first image-processing setting pictureP1 or the second image-processing setting picture P2 or the thirdimage-processing setting picture P3) after the image-processingoperation on the basis of at least one of the selected image tone modeand the adjusted preset value of the color-adjustment item of theselected image tone mode.

When the OK button 17 is depressed under the condition in which one ofthe first, second, and third image-processing setting pictures P1, P2,and P3 is indicated on the first display 92 a, the selected image tonemode and the adjusted preset value of the color-adjustment item of theselected image tone mode are fixed, and then the indication is thenswitched from one of the first, second, and third image-processingsetting pictures P1, P2, and P3 to the normal capture mode.

Next, the calculation for specifying the form of the radar chart CH, inother words, for specifying the plot position of each color's SAT(saturation value) on the color status indication area IP70 isexplained. This calculation is performed for each color component.

First, a first output value LOUT 1 is calculated by multiplying areference input value REF, a color-adjustment matrix CC, a YCbCrconversion matrix YC, and a rotation matrix ADJ (LOUT 1=ADJ×YC×CC×REF).

The reference input value REF shows coordinate values of each colorcomponent (red R, green G, blue B, yellow Y, cyan C, and magenta M) inan RGB coordinate system. For example, red R is represented by(255,0,0), green G is represented by (0,255,0), blue B is represented by(0,0,255), yellow Y is represented by (128,128,0), cyan C is representedby: (0,128,128), and magenta M is represented by: (128,0,128).

The color-adjustment matrix CC corresponds to general saturation and theselected image tone mode.

The YCbCr conversion matrix YC is used for converting from the RGBcoordinate system to the YCbCr coordinate system.

The rotation matrix ADJ is used for a color space conversion, in otherwords, for rotating the coordinate axis in order to obtain the plotposition of each color on one of: the RC axis AXRC, the GM axis AXGM,and the BY axis AXBY.

Second, a first square value of a Cb component of the first output valueLOUT 1 and a second square value of a Cr component of the first outputvalue LOUT 1 are calculated.

Then the plot position of each color SAT on the axis is calculated bycalculating the square root of the first square value Cb² and the secondsquare value Cr²(SAT=(Cb²+Cr²)^(1/2)), that gives the difference betweenthe plotted point and the origin point O.

When hue is adjusted, the plot position of each color component isrotated around the origin point O corresponding to the direction andquantity of hue change.

For example, FIGS. 7 and 11 show that hue is adjusted such that red R isadjusted towards the magenta M side, magenta M is adjusted towards theblue B side, blue B is adjusted towards the cyan C side, cyan C isadjusted towards the green G side, green G is adjusted towards theyellow Y side, and yellow Y is adjusted towards the red R side.

Next, the flow of the color status adjustment in the image-processingoperation on the RAW data and the development of the RAW data isexplained using the flowchart in FIG. 12.

When the power supply lever 12 is rotated to the preview position, thephotographic subject image is captured as an optical image through thelens 51 by the imaging sensor 53 in step S11. The still image obtainedby the photographic operation is displayed on the first display 92aafter the A/D conversion operation by the AFE 55 and theimage-processing operation by the DSP 60.

In step S12, the image data of the still image obtained by thephotographic operation is temporarily stored in the SDRAM 80 as RAW datathat has not yet been image-processed.

In step S13, the color status adjustment is performed. The details ofthe adjustment of the color status are given later using the flowchartof FIG. 13.

In step S14, the RAW data that is temporarily stored in the SDRAM 80 isread.

In step S15, the development is performed including the image-processingoperation on the RAW data that is read from the SDRAM 80. The details ofthe development are given later using the flowchart in FIG. 14.

In step S16, the still image corresponding to the image data followingdevelopment is displayed on the first display 92 a.

In step S17, it is determined whether the user is satisfied with thecolor status resulting from step S13, by observing the image displayedon the first display 92 a.

When the user is satisfied, the operation ends. Otherwise, the operationreturns to step S13 so that the adjustment of the color status of theRAW data and the development of the RAW data are repeatedly performed.

Next, the details of the adjustment of the color status are given usingthe flowchart of FIG. 13.

In step S31, one of the direction keys 16 etc., is operated by the userin order to select the image tone mode or to adjust the preset value ofeach color-adjustment item including general saturation, hue, contrastand sharpness.

In step S32, the color-adjustment matrix CC is calculated on the basisof the selected image tone mode and the adjusted preset value of generalsaturation so that the color-adjustment matrix CC and the referenceinput value REF of each color are multiplied (CC×REF).

In step S33, the conversion from the RGB coordinate system to the YCbCrcoordinate system is performed, in other words, the YCbCr matrix YC andthe product of the color-adjustment matrix CC and the reference inputvalue REF are multiplied (YC×CC×REF).

In step S34, the color space is converted to obtain the plot position ofeach color component on one of: the RC axis AXRC, the GM axis AXGM, andthe BY axis AXBY. In other words, the rotation matrix ADJ and theproduct of the YCbCr matrix YC, the color-adjustment matrix CC, and thereference input value REF are multiplied so that the first output valueLOUT 1 is calculated (LOUT 1=ADJ×YC×CC×REF).

In step S35, the first square value of the Cb component of the firstoutput value LOUT 1 and the second square value of the Cr component ofthe first output value LOUT 1 are calculated. Then the plot position ofeach color SAT on the axis is calculated by taking the square root ofthe first square value Cb² and the second square value Cr²(SAT=(Cb²+Cr²)^(1/2)).

In step S36, the radar chart CH is drawn on the color status indicationarea IP70 on the basis of the calculated value of saturation SAT of eachcolor component.

When hue is adjusted, in other words, when the preset value of huebecomes different from the intermediate value, the radar chart CH isrotated around the origin point O, corresponding to the differencebetween the preset value of hue and the intermediate value, in otherwords, corresponding to the direction and quantity of hue change.

Next, the details of the development of the RAW data are explained usingthe flowchart in FIG. 14. In step S51, a color interpolation operationof the RAW data is performed. In step S52, an adjustment is made to thewhite balance of the RAW data. In step S53, the image-processingoperation is performed on the basis of the selected image tone mode andthe adjusted preset value of each color-adjustment item (generalsaturation, hue, contrast, and sharpness). In step S54, gammacompensation is performed.

In the embodiment, it is explained that the radar chart CH is drawn onthe color status indication area IP70, however, another chart showingthe color status including hue and saturation may be drawn on the colorstatus indication area IP70.

For example, the L*a*b* coordinate system may be used. Specifically, asecond output value LOUT 2 of each color component considering hue andsaturation are plotted on a plane including an a-axis and a b-axis inthe L*a*b* coordinate system, giving a L*a*b* chart.

In this case, the second output value LOUT 2 of each color component iscalculated by multiplying the reference input value REF, thecolor-adjustment matrix CC, a L*a*b* conversion matrix CS, and ahue-rotation matrix R (LOUT 2=R×CS×CC×REF).

The L*a*b* conversion matrix CS is used for converting from the RGBcoordinate system to the L*a*b* coordinate system.

The hue-rotation matrix R is used for rotating the L*a*b* chart withrespect to hue.

A plot position of each color SAT that forms the L*a*b* chart on theL*a*b* coordinate system is determined on the basis of the a-directioncomponent of the second output value LOUT 2 and the b-directioncomponent of the second output value LOUT 2.

In this case, as each color component, another color component of red R,green G, blue B, yellow Y, cyan C, and magenta M can be used forplotting in the L*a*b* coordinate system.

Furthermore, the diagrammatic representation of the color status on thecolor status indication area IP70 is not limited to a graphic indicationsuch as a radar chart. For example, the saturation of each colorcomponent may be illustrated by a cursor (see FIG. 16).

Furthermore, in the embodiment, it is explained that the still image isdisplayed on the first display 92 a behind the indicator of the firstimage-processing setting picture P1, etc., however, a video image(moving-image) may alternately be displayed.

In addition, the RAW data or the YCbCr data that is stored in the memoryunit 70 may be used as the image data for the preview on the firstdisplay 92 a.

Moreover, before storage in the memory unit 70 or the SDRAM 80, theimage data may be used for the preview on the first display 92 a.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been describedherein with reference to the accompanying drawings, obviously manymodifications and changes may be made by those skilled in this artwithout departing from the scope of the invention.

The present disclosure relates to subject matter contained in JapanesePatent Application No. 2007-207997 (filed on Aug. 9, 2007), which isexpressly incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.

1. A photographic apparatus, comprising: an imaging sensor that obtainsimage data; an image-processor that performs an image-processingoperation on said image data; and a display that displays animage-processing setting picture having a setting-status indication areaand a color status indication area; wherein said setting-statusindication area shows a setting status of said image-processingoperation and a mode selector that selects one of a plurality of colorproperties, said setting status corresponds to a selected one of saidplurality of color properties, said plurality of color propertiesincludes general saturation, said color status indication area displaysa diagrammatic representation of color statuses of color components ofsaid image data based on said selected one of said plurality of colorproperties of said image-processing operation, said diagrammaticrepresentation includes a radar chart that includes a first axis, asecond axis, and a third axis, and includes a figure that shows saidcolor statuses of said color components of said image data, said colorcomponents include a first color component, a second color component, athird color component, a fourth color component, a fifth colorcomponent, and a sixth color component that are each different ones of ared component, a green component, a blue component, a yellow component,a cyan component, and a magenta component, said color statuses include afirst color status of said first color component, a second color statusof said second color component, a third color status of said third colorcomponent, a fourth color status of said fourth color component, a fifthcolor status of said fifth color component, and a sixth color status ofsaid sixth color component, a first apex of said figure shows said firstcolor status of said first color component, a second apex of said figureshows said second color status of said second color component, a thirdapex of said figure shows said third color status of said third colorcomponent, a fourth apex of said figure shows said fourth color statusof said fourth color component, a fifth apex of said figure shows saidfifth color status of said fifth color component, and a sixth apex ofsaid figure shows said sixth color status of said sixth color component,said first apex and said fourth apex are plotted along said first axisof said radar chart opposite an origin of said radar chart, said secondapex and said fifth apex are plotted along said second axis of saidradar chart opposite said origin of said radar chart, and said thirdapex and said sixth apex are plotted along said third axis of said radarchart opposite said origin of said radar chart, said figure is atwo-dimensional figure that links said first apex, said second apex,said third apex, said fourth apex, said fifth apex, and said sixth apexfor displaying said diagrammatic representation of said color statusesof said color components of said image data based on said selected oneof said plurality of color properties, and a shape of said figure and asize of said figure change in accordance with said color statuses ofsaid color components of said image data.
 2. The photographic apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said plurality of color properties furtherincludes hue, and said figure is rotated in accordance with said hue. 3.The photographic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said displaydisplays an image corresponding to said image data based on said settingstatus after said image-processing operation.
 4. The photographicapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said setting-status indicationarea selectably shows multiple ones of color intensity, generalsaturation, degree of color change by hue, contrast, and sharpness assaid setting status.
 5. The photographic apparatus according to claim 4,wherein said plurality of color properties further include said multipleones of color intensity, degree of color change by hue, contrast, andsharpness.
 6. The photographic apparatus according to claim 5, whereinsaid color statuses of said plurality of color properties correspond tomultiple ones of a shape, a size, and an inclination degree of saidfigure, and said diagrammatic representation is shown based on saidcolor statuses of said plurality of color properties.
 7. Thephotographic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality ofcolor properties include multiple ones of color intensity, degree ofcolor change by hue, contrast, and sharpness, and said color statuses ofsaid plurality of color properties correspond to multiple ones of ashape, a size, and an inclination degree of said figure.
 8. Thephotographic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mode selectorselects a least one general mode in which said setting statuscorresponds to each of said plurality of color properties.
 9. A methodof displaying an image on a display of a photographic apparatus,comprising: obtaining data of the image; and displaying animage-processing setting picture on the display in response to animage-processing operation performed on the image data, theimage-processing setting picture including a setting-status indicationarea and a color status indication area, the setting-status indicationarea showing a setting status of the image-processing operation and amode selector that selects one of a plurality of color properties as thesetting status, the color status indication area displaying adiagrammatic representation of color statuses of color components of theimage data based on a selected one of the plurality of color propertiesof the image-processing operation; receiving a selection of one of theplurality of color properties as the selected one of the plurality ofcolor properties; corresponding the setting status to the selected oneof the plurality of color properties in response to receiving theselection; and changing the diagrammatic representation of the colorstatus in correspondence with the setting status in response to a changeof the setting status, wherein the plurality of color propertiesincludes general saturation, the diagrammatic representation includes aradar chart that includes a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis,and includes a figure that shows the color statuses of the colorcomponents of the image data, the color components include a first colorcomponent, a second color component, a third color component, a fourthcolor component, a fifth color component, and a sixth color componentthat are each different ones of a red component, a green component, ablue component, a yellow component, a cyan component, and a magentacomponent, the color statuses include a first color status of the firstcolor component, a second color status of the second color component, athird color status of the third color component, a fourth color statusof the fourth color component, a fifth color status of the fifth colorcomponent, and a sixth color status of the sixth color component, afirst apex of the figure shows a first color status of the first colorcomponent, a second apex of the figure shows a second color status ofthe second color component, a third apex of the figure shows a thirdcolor status of the third color component, a fourth apex of the figureshows a fourth color status of the fourth color component, a fifth apexof the figure shows a fifth color status of the fifth color component,and a sixth apex of the figure shows a sixth color status of the sixthcolor component, the first apex and the fourth apex are plotted alongthe first axis of the radar chart opposite an origin of the radar chart,the second apex and the fifth apex are plotted along the second axis ofthe radar chart opposite the origin of the radar chart, and the thirdapex and the sixth apex are plotted along the third axis of the radarchart opposite the origin of the radar chart, the figure is atwo-dimensional figure that links the first apex, the second apex, thethird apex, the fourth apex, the fifth apex, and the sixth apex fordisplaying the diagrammatic representation of the color statuses of thecolor components of the image data based on the selected one of theplurality of color properties, and a shape of the figure and a size ofthe figure change in accordance with the color statuses of the colorcomponents of the image data.
 10. The method according to claim 9,wherein the setting-status indication area selectably shows multipleones of color intensity, degree of color change by hue, contrast, andsharpness as the setting status.
 11. The method according to claim 10,wherein the plurality of color properties further include the multipleones of color intensity, degree of color change by hue, contrast, andsharpness.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the colorstatuses of the plurality of color properties correspond to multipleones of a shape, a size, and an inclination degree of the figure, andthe diagrammatic representation is shown based on the color statuses ofthe plurality of color properties.
 13. The photographic apparatusaccording to claim 9, wherein the plurality of color properties includemultiple ones of color intensity, degree of color change by hue,contrast, and sharpness, and the color statuses of the plurality ofcolor properties correspond to multiple ones of a shape, a size, and aninclination degree of the figure.
 14. The photographic apparatusaccording to claim 9, wherein the received selection includes a generalmode, and the setting status corresponds to each of the plurality ofcolor properties in response to receiving the selection of the generalmode.
 15. A photographic apparatus, comprising: an imaging sensor thatobtains image data; an image-processor that performs an image-processingoperation on said image data; and a display that displays animage-processing setting picture having a setting-status indication areaand a color status indication area; wherein said setting-statusindication area shows a setting status of said image-processingoperation and a mode selector that selects one of a plurality of colorproperties, said setting status corresponds to a selected one of saidplurality of color properties, said plurality of color propertiesincludes general saturation, said color status indication area displaysa diagrammatic representation of color statuses of color components ofsaid image data based on said selected one of said plurality of colorproperties of said image-processing operation, said diagrammaticrepresentation includes an a-b coordinate system that defines a planethat includes an a-axis and a b-axis, and includes a figure that showssaid color statuses of said color components of said image data, saidcolor components include a first color component, a second colorcomponent, a third color component, a fourth color component, a fifthcolor component, and a sixth color component that are each differentones of a red component, a green component, a blue component, a yellowcomponent, a cyan component, and a magenta component, said colorstatuses include a first color status of said first color component, asecond color status of said second color component, a third color statusof said third color component, a fourth color status of said fourthcolor component, a fifth color status of said fifth color component, anda sixth color status of said sixth color component, a first apex of saidfigure shows a first color status of said first color component, asecond apex of said figure shows a second color status of said secondcolor component, a third apex of said figure shows a third color statusof said third color component, a fourth apex of said figure shows afourth color status of said fourth color component, a fifth apex of saidfigure shows a fifth color status of said fifth color component, and asixth apex of said figure shows a sixth color status of said sixth colorcomponent, each of said first apex, said second apex, said third apex,said fourth apex, said fifth apex, and said sixth apex of said figureare plotted on said plane with reference to said a-axis and said b-axis,and a shape of said figure and a size of said figure change inaccordance with said color statuses of said color components of saidimage data.